Hanging Item Display Device

ABSTRACT

A storage and display system is provided having a plurality of panels connected to one another in an adjacent manner in which items, particularly comic books, can be placed therein for viewing, storage, preservation and display. The panels further include an enclosed volume on the front thereof having at least one open side which can be an open upper in a preferred embodiment, thus forming a sealed pocket type enclosure for the insertion of items therein. The device is made from a material that can prevent the permeation of air and sunlight therethrough and thus facilitate the preservation of the items held within. A flap located along the panels provides attachment hardware for mounting the device onto a wall surface for the display of the comic books and other items therein. The panels are sufficiently flexible as to allow a user to fold and/or bend the panels at their respective connection points.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/905,413 filed on Nov. 18, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to storage and display apparatuses. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a storage and display system adapted for use with comic books in particular, having a plurality of panels connected to one another in an adjacent fashion. The panels include pockets in which items such as comic books, magazines and other substantially planar objects can be placed and held therein for storage, viewing, display and preservation thereof.

Comic books, newspapers and magazines are popular collectible items and can become very valuable over time. Many individuals employ the use of various sleeves, bags, boxes, and other containment apparatuses in order to preserve and maintain these collectibles in a fine and good quality condition. These objects are quite sensitive and can become damaged from UV light, mold, mildew, pests, dust and other elements. Degradation caused by such elements can greatly reduce the value of these collectibles and render them in poor condition.

Conventional methods of storing, collecting and preserving comic books relate to inserting a comic book into a transparent plastic bag or hard case and sealing it therein. While this may be helpful for preservation, it does not offer multiple cases or storage spaces connected to one another for holding a plurality of comic books in a separate fashion an in one unitary body. Further, these storage and/or preservation methods do not provide means for hanging such collectibles on a wall surface for both the preservation and display thereof as a decorative assembly for one's home, office, store, room and other like areas.

Other methods of preserving comic books involve the use of sleeves, frames, plastic bags and other suitable container type of objects. These however, do not typically offer protection from sunlight, air, and other detrimental substances that are damaging to comic books, magazines and like items. Comic books and magazines stored in such plastic bags, frames and/containers can become worn, pages can bend, and dust, debris and insects can enter and ruin such collectibles.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a new and improved storage and display system having a plurality of panels connected to one another in an adjacent manner to be displayed in a vertical orientation, wherein each panel provides a pocket like enclosure for the insertion of comic books, magazines, newspapers and other substantially planar items. The invention provides a flap that includes attachment hardware for hanging the storage and display system on a wall surface as an adornment for viewing and presentation thereof.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to storage and display systems. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to storage and preservation systems that can include bags, sleeves and frames wherein comic books, magazines and other substantially planar objects can be placed therein. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 7,264,119 to Navickas discloses a storage system comprising two or more pouches that are joined to one another in a chain like manner having a flexible coupling portion. The pouches are adapted for holding an insert or other contents to which the user can easily gain access. The device can be placed in a fan, vertical, accordion and other configurations. However, this device does not provide full view of the contents placed therein for display thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,290 to Merckley describes a comic book protection system that comprises an enclosed cover having a resealable edge in order to provide protection to the comic books therein. The device can be made from a thin, flexible transparent plastic material having at least one open side or slot. There can be a rigid insert that can be positioned within the space of the bag. The present invention however, enables the user to display, store and protect a plurality of comic books, magazines and other objects and items.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,913 to Pellegri provides a packaging wrapper or container made from a transparent material and having advertisement messages thereon. The container can receive various items therein such as socks, stockings, underwear, compact discs, leather goods, books, hardware goods, tobacco, frozen goods, food products and the like. This device however, does not provide a suitable container for displaying, preserving and storing comic books for viewing and display thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,207 to Carse allows for a collectable article authentication system comprising a core formed of layers of a transparent material having barrier properties which are sealed around the collectable article in a permanent type of manner, thereby providing preservation to the article placed therein, such as a comic book. While this is helpful in the way of preserving comic books and preventing tampering therewith, it offers little utility for displaying, preserving and interchanging of comic books or other items therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,925 to Lennen discloses a preservation method and device for a collectable article. The device includes front and back panel members, thus forming a cavity for receiving an article, such as a comic book. The device can prevent deterioration and the like of the comic book, magazines or other contents placed therein. The present invention however, allows a user to display a plurality of comic books in a decorative manner and further aids in the prevention of deterioration thereof.

These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. The above discussed storage and display systems and/or apparatuses do not provide for a plurality of panels connecting to one another having individual pocket enclosures for the insertion of comic book, magazines, newspapers and other substantially planar items therein. Further, the above devices do not provide for a storage and display system and/or an apparatus that provides attachment hardware for hanging the invention on a wall surface for viewing and display of the items held therein. It substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing storage and display devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of storage and display apparatuses now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new storage and display system, wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when placing collectible comic books, magazines, newspapers and other substantially planar items therein for preservation and viewing thereof.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved storage and display system that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage and display system having a plurality of panels affixed to one another.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage and display system having a plurality of pockets with receiving means.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage and display system that can be hung on a wall surface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage and display system that is transparent.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage and display system that is adapted for holding comic books, magazines and other substantially planar objects.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage and display system that is flexible.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage and display system that is foldable.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a storage and display system that facilitates the preservation and thus prevents the deterioration of the contents placed therein.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of the storage and display system in a vertical display embodiment, wherein the plurality of panels with pockets connected to one another having a comic book therein and the flap are shown.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the storage and display system in a vertical display embodiment, wherein the plurality of pockets and flap and the means in which a comic book can be placed into one of the pockets are shown.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the storage and display system in a horizontal display embodiment, wherein the plurality of panels with pockets connected to one another having a comic book therein and two flaps are shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the storage and display system. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for storing, displaying and preserving the contents, particularly comic books and other substantially planar collectibles, placed within the storage and display system. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a front view of the storage and display system 1 in a vertical display embodiment having a flap 2 and a plurality of connected panels 4, wherein each panel is defined herein as a first panel 4 and comprises an enclosed volume, a second panel 6 and at least one open side thus forming a pocket 5 on each panel 4. The storage and display system 1 provides a front, back, top, bottom, a perimeter edge and a plurality of first panels connected to one another in an adjacent manner to be placed in a vertical orientation, wherein there can be five first panels 4 in a preferred embodiment as shown.

Each first panel 4 comprises a front, back, top, bottom and an outer perimeter edge, wherein the front of each first panel 4 provides a second panel 6, wherein the second panel 6 comprises a front, back, top, bottom and an outer perimeter edge. There can be five second panels 6 in a preferred embodiment as shown, wherein each second panel 6 is connected to each first panel 4. The outer perimeter edge of the second panel 6 is connected to the front of each first panel 4 at the bottom and sides thereof via heat sealing means in a preferred embodiment, forming an enclosed interior volume and at least one open side thus comprising a pocket 5.

The user can place a comic book in particular, magazines or other substantially planar objects within the interior volume of the pockets 5 of the first panels 4 for the storage, viewing, preservation and display thereof. The plurality of first panels 4 and the pockets of the storage and display system can comprise a rectangular shape as shown, but can be square shaped, circular, triangular or other suitable shape. However, the rectangular shape is the preferred embodiment as that is the most conducive to the shape of a comic book, newspaper and/or magazine. The pockets 5 are formed as such to be snug and tightly fit and/or enclose the comic book and/or magazine placed therein. Once a comic book or magazine is placed within the pocket 5 of the storage and display system 1, space is formed along the bottom and sides of the pocket 5 thus providing a tight enclosure that further prevents the bending, tearing or damaging of the pages of the comic book or magazine and facilitates an orderly presentation of the comic books therein when hung on a wall surface for display.

The plurality of first panels 4 include a first terminal panel and a second terminal panel, wherein the bottom of the first terminal panel is connected to the top of the subsequent or following panel and the bottom of the subsequent panel is connected to the subsequent or following panel and so on and so forth, thus forming one unitary body to be displayed in a vertical orientation. The plurality of first panels 4 are connected to one another via heat sealing means in a preferred embodiment, but could also be stitched, glued or fastened to one another by other fastening and/or adhesive means. There can be a flap 2 having a top, bottom, front, back and an outer perimeter edge, wherein the bottom of the flap 2 is connected to the top of the first terminal panel via heat sealing means in a preferred embodiment, thus forming the top of the storage and display system 1. Similarly, the second terminal panel forms the terminal end of the storage and display system 1.

The front of the flap 2 further comprises attachment hardware 3 that are located on the left and right side thereof, thus enabling the user to hang the storage and display system on a wall surface or other compatible and/or suitable surface. The attachment hardware 3 can include, but are not limited to, attachment pins in a preferred embodiment as shown, O-rings, D-rings, eyelets, brackets, hooks, suction cups and/or other suitable wall mounting hardware. The user can hang the storage and display system 1 via placing a nail, screw or other fastener into the attachment hardware 3 and hammer the fastening means into the wall in order to enable a user to store, preserve and display the contents placed therein.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of the storage and display system 1 in a vertically oriented embodiment having a plurality of pockets 5 in which items such as a comic book, as shown in a preferred embodiment, can be placed therein for viewing, storage, preservation and display thereof. The plurality of pockets 5 is such that, when a comic book and/or magazine is placed therein, a tight seal is formed therearound in order to effectively prevent permeation from sunlight, air and other environmental elements that can cause damaging effects to the comic book and/or magazine. The items that may be placed within the plurality of pockets of the storage and display system 1 are not limited to comic book and/or magazines and can include articles such as jewelry, shoes, perfume, pens, pencils, clothing, books, notepads, paper files and other items that require storage, display, and/or the preservation thereof, wherein the user can gain easy access thereto.

The user can hang the storage and display system 1 in a vertical orientation on a flat surface, such as a wall surface via the attachment hardware 3 and then place a comic book or other item the user wishes to store, preserve and display within the open side of one of the plurality of pockets 5. After the comic book is placed therein, the enclosed volume of the pocket forms an effective closure and housing structure for the comic book. Several comic books can then be placed within the plurality of pockets 5, thus forming a display system for viewing therefore that can be used as a decorative ensemble for a room, office, home or other suitable place where it can be seen, viewed and admired by the user and/or others.

The open side of the plurality of pockets 5 of the storage and display system 1 is not limited to the upper and/or top area thereof, but can be located on either of the side areas of the pocket in order to enable a user to insert a comic book and/or magazine into at least one open side area. Further, the vertical orientation and the connection of the plurality of pockets is not limited to such a configuration and the plurality of pockets 5 can be connected to one another in a horizontal fashion in an alternative embodiment and can thus be arranged adjacent to one another. This enables the user to hang the storage and display system in a horizontal manner, wherein there can be attachment hardware 3 can be located on either side of the storage and display system for proper hanging thereof in such an embodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a front view of the storage and display system 11 in a horizontal display embodiment, wherein the plurality of panels 14 is connected to one another in an adjacent manner and thus forms a plurality of pockets 15 connected to one another in an adjacent manner. The plurality of pockets form an interior volume as described above and provides at least one open side, wherein the open side is an open upper in a preferred embodiment as shown. The storage and display system can be mounted onto a wall or other suitable surface in a horizontal manner via a pair of opposing flaps 12 that are connected to the outer edges of the first terminal panel and the second terminal panel, wherein the flaps 12 provide attachment hardware 13 integrated therewith. The user can mount the storage and display system 11 onto a wall via screws, nails and the like in conjunction with the attachment hardware 13 as describes above. The user can then place a comic book into the open upper of the storage and display system 11 for protection and viewing thereof.

The storage and display system 1 can be made from transparent plastic materials such as polyethylene, polyester and/or polypropylene in a preferred embodiment, however it can be made from other suitable materials. The material is one that is adapted to preserve and prevent the deterioration of the items that are placed within the pockets of the storage and display system 1 and in particular, for the preservation of collectible comic books, newspapers and/or magazines held therein. The material can be heat resistant, water resistant and sufficiently impermeable to gases that may cause damage and decomposition of the items therein.

The material of the storage and display system is sufficiently flexible, wherein the user can easily bend the plurality of first panels 4 thereof at their connection means to the subsequent or following first panels 4, such that the user can fold each first panel 4 and respective pocket 5 in a way that the first panels 4 can be placed on top of one another in a stacked manner, thus allowing the user to store the invention in a drawer, closet, desk and the like. The connection means of the flap 2 to the first terminal panel can also bend in a similar way to the first panels 4 as discussed and can be folded to be placed on top of the first terminal panel.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A storage and display device, comprising: two or more first panels connected to one another; said first panels having an outer perimeter edge; two or more second panels having an outer perimeter edge; the outer perimeter edges of each second panel being connected the outer perimeter edge of one of said first panels, thus forming pockets having an enclosed interior volume with at least one open side; at least one flap, said flap having attachment hardware and outer perimeter edge; said at least one flap being connected to one of said first panels.
 2. The storage and display device of claim 1, wherein said pockets are disposed in an adjacent relationship to one another in a vertical orientation.
 3. The storage and display device of claim 1, wherein said pockets are disposed in an adjacent relationship to one another in a horizontal orientation.
 4. The storage and display device of claim 1, wherein said first panels, second panels, and said upper panel comprise a flexible, transparent material.
 5. The storage and display device of claim 1, wherein said first panels, second panels, and said upper panel comprise a polypropylene material.
 6. The storage and display device of claim 1, wherein said first panels, second panels, and said upper panel comprise a polyester material.
 7. The storage and display device of claim 1, wherein said at least one flap comprises one flap and said at least one open side comprises one open side, whereby said flap is disposed above said one open side.
 8. The storage and display device of claim 1, wherein said at least one flap comprises one flap and said at least one open side comprises one open side, whereby said flap is disposed adjacent to said one open side. 